Diwali in Canada

Canada is a North American country which extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean. Canada is the world’s second-largest country by total area, and its common border with the United States.

Ottawa is the capital of Canada while Toronto is the largest city. Other major cities in Canada are Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Quebec, Winnipeg, Hamilton, etc.

Canada is religiously diverse nation, encompassing a wide range of beliefs and customs. Still over 67 % people are Christians, 24 % people have no religious affiliation while remaining 9 % Includes non-Christian religions like Islam, Hinduism and others.

Diwali Celebrations in Canada :

There are large number of Indians in Canada and this Indo-Canadian community celebrates Diwali, the Festival of Lights every year.

Diwali, the festival that honours the triumph of light over dark, good fortune over bad, has become a major date on the Canadian calendar.

Just like in India, Hindu’s in Canada clean their homes prior to Diwali. During Diwali they decorate their homes with lights and diya’s, make colourful rangoli’s at entrance of their homes, eat lots of sweets and delicious foods, burst crackers and spend time with friends and family members.

They also perform Lakshmi Ganesh Puja on the Diwali day and visit temples to seek blessings of god and goddesses.

In Canada, India Canada Association (ICA) carried out various events for occasion of Diwali. These Diwali events are an opportunity for families to come together for quality cultural time. We typically hold the party in a community centre and feature music, games, refreshments, and of course, candles and fire crackers.